Firefox is a much better browser than Internet Explorer, it would nice if it worked with Firefox.

Make the Help link be a popup like all the other links! On top of that, there’s no way to get back to the video after click the Help link unless you use the keyboard command “Alt + Left”

New Suggestion: See if it’s possible to keep the volume level the same when switching between the different live match streams. I realize this can be a limitation of using Windows Media Player, but if it were possible, that’d be nice. UPDATE: I just noticed that if a match ends, the stream automatically closes and switches to another one. The volume did not change in this case though, which makes me believe that my suggestion about the volume is technically possible.

Summary:

So far, quite a good experience for watching Tennis online, definitely worth it if you don’t get it on local TV, or just want the convenience, control and all access viewing of live broadcasts.

Q. How did you assess your match today? Straight sets, but it looked a bit up and down.

MARAT SAFIN: Well, it’s a little bit tough to start the beginning of the season, especially when it’s the first official match. It’s not exhibition or something like that. So it’s kind of difficult to play and be relaxed and play your best tennis.

So, you know, the first set was okay, but then I got a little bit tight. The guy started to play well. I think for the first match, it was a great one.

Q. Any parts of your game you’ve got to work on to progress further?

MARAT SAFIN: Just play more matches and it’s gonna come up. I’m playing well, moving well. Knee doesn’t hurt. I don’t have any injuries. I think if I keep up this way, it’s gonna be a good year.

Q. What does it take for you to be happy about your game?

MARAT SAFIN: Well, it’s good to know that you can move around the court without any pain and you can move pretty well and you can play good tennis without any doubts on yourself. So I think it’s pretty good feeling.

But also, you know, you need some confidence, build up the confidence, because I didn’t play any great tennis lately.

So for me to start the year this way, I think it’s just to continue.

Q. Going to need more confidence going into the harder part of the draw?

MARAT SAFIN: Yeah, I think I will need a little bit more, just a little bit more matches. But it’s going to come up this way anyway. Big players like Baghdatis, Hewitt in the future. But it’s getting much better, for sure. Second match. I already played a tough one today. It’s going to work out well.

Q. I heard you have been doing snowboarding back in Europe. Did you find it fascinating?

MARAT SAFIN: Yeah, I think it’s pretty cool.

Q. Are you any good at it?

MARAT SAFIN: I’m improving and improving, yeah.

Q. Not too many falls?

MARAT SAFIN: No. I’m alive, so I think it was good.

Q. What is your fear about the new surface?

MARAT SAFIN: I don’t fear anything. I think it’s great. The balls are great. Actually nothing to complain about. Just maybe the color is too bright for me, but it’s just my personal opinion. I think otherwise, the speed of the ball is good enough to play good rallies and it suits to all the kind of players. AO

The Tennis Channel is running a sweepstakes (and info gathering on how many of us get the Tennis Channel) for a two person trip to the 2009 Australian Open. If you are interested in entering the contest, the entry form is here.

It has been crazy month for me, but luckily I finished the big items just this week. I’ve been doing a ton of travel - India, the Dominican Republic - and have just fallen behind. That means I should have more time to devote to tennis - and I am wrapping up on gloating about Nadal’s French Open final win.

I also caught an episode or two of that Age of Love show, so I’ll have some commentary on that.

The “Boldest Play” contest is being hosted by tennis great Jim Courier and Wolf Blass Wines. Whether it is a wicked serve or powerful backhand - tennis lovers of all skill levels have the chance to get out on the court with a camera to submit their most awe-inspiring tennis move to be judged by four-time Grand Slam winner Jim Courier. One winner will receive the ultimate tennis vacation: a trip for two and accommodations to the final US Open Series match in New Haven, CT and a prize package valued at $500.